DIY Plans to Build a Bernard Coffee Table

An Ultra-Modern and Fabulous Coffee Table

This is a truly fabulous coffee table! The DIY plans to build a Bernard Coffee Table feature a lower shelf and off set legs on one side. Where the legs are offset, the top shelf offers an inset “tray” that gives a truly unique look to this table! This is a very easy build that can be completed in a weekend.

Materials:

• 1-1/4” pocket hole screws (<– affiliate link!)
• 2-1/2” pocket hole screws
• Wood glue
• Sandpaper (100, 150, 220 grits)
• Finishing supplies (primer & paint, or stain, sealer)

Lumber:

• 6 – 2×2 at 8’
• 1 half sheet of ¾” plywood
• 1 full sheet of ¾” plywood

Cut List:

• 2 – 2×2 at 3-1/2” – Shorter Legs
• 2 – 2×2 at 17-1/4” – Taller Legs
• 2 – 2×2 at 25” – Lower Frame
• 2 – 2×2 at 56-1/2” – Lower Frame
• 2 – 2×2 at 14-1/4” – Top Supports
• 2 – 2×2 at 59-1/2” – Upper Frame
• 3 – 2×2 at 25” – Upper Stretchers
• 1 – ¾” plywood at 25” x 56-1/2” – Lower Shelf
• 1 – ¾” plywood at 25” x 41-1/2” – Top
• 1 – ¾” plywood at 13-1/2” x 25” – Inset Shelf

Click on the drawings for a larger view!

Step One

Cut the pieces for the shorter legs, the taller legs, and the lower frame. With the pocket hole jig set for 1-1/2” material, drill pocket holes in each end of the frame pieces as well as the top end of the taller legs. Assemble the frame as shown using glue and 2-1/2” pocket hole screws.

Step Two

Cut the pieces for the top supports and drill pocket holes in each end. Secure to the lower frame at the dimensions indicated in the drawing using glue and 2-1/2” pocket hole screws.

Step Three

Cut the pieces for the upper frame. Secure to the taller legs and top supports using glue and 2-1/2” pocket hole screws.

Step Four

Cut the pieces for the upper stretchers and drill pocket holes in each end. Orient the pocket holes so they face to the inside of the frame (or down – so they won’t have to be filled), then secure using glue and 2-1/2” pocket hole screws.

Step Five

Cut the piece for the shelf. With the pocket hole jig set for ¾” material, drill pocket holes in all four edges of the shelf. Secure to the frame using glue and 1-1/4” pocket hole screws. The top face of the shelf will be flush with the top face of the frame.

Step Six

Cut the piece for the top and drill pocket holes in all four edges. Secure to the frame as shown using glue and 1-1/4” pocket hole screws. The top face of the top will be flush with the top face of the frame.

Step Seven

Cut the piece for the inset shelf and drill pocket holes in all four edges. Secure to the frame as shown using glue and 1-1/4” pocket hole screws. The bottom face of the shelf will be flush with the bottom face of the frame.

Fill the holes and finish as desired.

This table would look awesome with any finish whether it is a dark stain or a high gloss paint! Have any questions about the DIY plans to build a Bernard Coffee Table? Leave a comment below!

Originally posted 2015-06-24 08:00:43.